Application of artificial neural network method to predict the breakage properties of PGE bearing chromite ore

In the present investigation, systematic grinding experiments were conducted in a laboratory ball mill to determine the breakage properties of low-grade PGE bearing chromite ore. The population balance modeling technique was used to study the breakage parameters such as primary breakage distribution (B_{i, j}) and the specific rates of breakage (S_i). The breakage and selection function values were determined for six feed sizes. The results stated that the breakage follows the first-order grinding kinetics for all the feed sizes. It was observed that the coarser feed sizes exhibit higher selection function values than the finer feed size. Further, an artificial neural network was used to predict breakage characteristics of low-grade PGE bearing chromite ore. The predicted results obtained from the neural network modeling were close to the experimental results with a correlation of determination R² = 0.99 for both product size and selection function.     

An infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)2]3[Fe(CN)4(μ-CN)2]2}n,a new catalyst for electrochemical-driven water splitting and photochemical-driven hydrogen evolution from water under blue light

A new catalyst for both water reduction and oxidation, based on an infinite chain, {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n, is formed by the reaction of NiCl₂, 1,3-propanediamine (tn) and K₃ [Fe(CN)₆]. {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n can electro-catalyze hydrogen evolution from a neutral aqueous buffer (pH 7.0) with a turnover frequency (TOF) of 1561 mol of hydrogen per mole of catalyst per hour (H₂/mol catalyst/h) at an overpotential (OP) of 837 mV {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n also can electro-catalyze O₂ production from water with a TOF of ～45 mol O₂ (mol cat)^?1s^?1 at an OP of 591 mV. Under blue light (λ = 469 nm), together with CdS nanorods (CdS NRs) as a photosensitizer, and ascorbic acid (H₂A) as a sacrificial electron donor, {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n can photo-catalyze hydrogen generation from an aqueous buffer (pH 4.0) with a turnover number (TON) of 11,450 mol H₂ per mole of catalyst (mol of H₂ (mol of cat)^?1) during 10 h irradiation. The average of apparent quantum yield (AQY) is as high as 40.96% during 10 h irradiation. Studies indicate that {[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n exists in two forms: a cyano-bridged chain ({[Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₄ (μ-CN)₂]₂}_n) in solid, and a salt ([Ni(tn)₂]₃ [Fe(CN)₆]₂) in aqueous media; Catalytic reaction occurs on the nickel center of [Ni(tn)₂]²⁺, and the introduction of [Fe(CN)₆]^3- can improve the catalytic efficiency of [Ni(tn)₂]²⁺ for H₂ or O₂ generation. We hope these findings can afford a new method for the design of catalysts for both water reduction and oxidation.     

Modeling unaccounted-for gas among residential natural gas consumers using a comprehensive fuzzy cognitive map

Residential natural gas consumption depends on several factors. Available tools and methods to identify, categorize, and validate effective factors have some limitations, making consumption modeling more complex. Once a comprehensive model of effective consumption factors is developed for residential gas consumers, it can predict consumption. In addition, such a model could be used to verify the accuracy of measuring devices in order to reduce unaccounted for gas (UFG). The key factors affecting residential gas consumption were identified based on previous studies and their mutual effects were analyzed using a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) method. The most significant factors and their effects on natural gas consumption in the residential sector were determined. In this study, for the first time, the expected consumption for each consumer was estimated using a consumption index. Generally, if the estimated consumption is significantly different from the amount recorded by the meter, it could suggest a potential source of UFG. The proposed method was applied to the data collected from the residential gas consumers of a small region in Iran (Dasht-e Arjan region, Fars province), and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Design of geocell reinforced roads through fragility modeling

Several studies have confirmed the geocell reinforcement system as potential road material. However, there is a wide gap between the number of research studies evaluating the geocell in the laboratory and those dealing with road design methods using the geocell. Due to this gap, the geocell system has not reached its full potential in highways. The present study proposes fragility modeling to design low volume roads by considering the geocell reinforced layer's modulus. A predictive model was developed to estimate the geocell layer's modulus using laboratory and finite element analysis results. The results indicate that geocell reinforcement reduces the stresses on the underlying road layers. The developed fragility approach is then used to examine three road designs for Texas's low volume road involving different geocell reinforced layers. The obtained fragility curves indicate the reliability of each of the three road designs against the traffic load and can thereby assist decision-makers in selecting the optimum design. By designing geocell reinforced roads via fragility modeling, highway officials will be able to integrate any uncertainties in the design inputs and check designs against road performance criteria such as rutting and fatigue cracking, and against decision criteria such as cost, emissions, etc.     

Reusable and durable electrostatic air filter based on hybrid metallized microfibers decorated with metal-organic-framework nanocrystals

As global air pollution becomes increasingly severe,various types of fibrous filters have been devel-oped to improve air filter performance.However,fibrous filters have limitations such as high packing density that generally causes high-pressure drop and ultimately deterioration in the filtration effi-ciency.High-pressure particulate matter precipitators are limited in terms of scope for commercialization because they require high voltage supplies and ozone generators.In this study,we develop fibrous fil-ters with enhanced durability and improved performance using metallized microfibers decorated with metal-organic-framework(MOF)nanocrystals.Not only does the efficiency of the developed filters remain at or above 97％for 0.50-1.5 μm PMs but the durability also significantly increases.In addi-tion,using the water purification ability of the MOF,we explore the dye degradation effect of the hybrid microfibers by immersing them into Rhodamine B aqueous solution.In such an experiment the Rho-damine B aqueous solution is completely purified by the presence of the hybrid microfibers under the UV irradiation.     

Effect of preparation method on physicochemical properties and catalytic performances of LaCoO_3 perovskite for CO oxidation

Perovskite oxides LaCoO_3 prepared by templating, co-precipitation and sol-gel method with different complexants were systematically characterized and its catalytic performances for CO oxidation were investigated. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, N_2 physisorption, transmission electron microscopy, temperature program reduction of hydrogen, temperature program desorption of oxygen and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement, results of which show that the properties of LaCoO_3, such as surface morphology, surface area, surface compositions, redox capability, oxygen vacancy, as well as the calcination temperature and formation mechanism, depend intimately on the preparation method. Catalytic tests indicate that the sample prepared by carbon templating method shows the best activity for CO oxidation, with full CO conversion obtained at 135 ℃. In particular, the catalyst can be activated and significant increase of activity can be obtained with the increase of reaction time. The cyclic and longterm stability of catalysts were discussed and compared.     

以新版《检测和校准实验室能力认可准则》(CNAS-CL01: 2018)要求开展检测方法验证的问题及解决方法

检测实验室中检测结果的准确性至关重要, 对标准检测方法的验证是获得检测结果准确性的重要前提; 对申请CNAS认可的实验室而言, 如果方法验证不符合认可准则的要求, 将直接造成申请的技术能力不予认可。本文依据《检测和校准实验室能力认可准则》的要求, 以实际发生的案例为例, 通过分析问题产生原因, 从体系文件的控制、方法验证技术操作、记录的规范填写等3个方面, 对实验室开展方法验证的方法进行全面细致地讲解, 以期用于指导实验室有效地开展方法验证工作。     

高效液相色谱法测定维生素K胶囊中维生素K2含量不确定度评估

目的评估高效液相色谱法测定维生素K胶囊中的维生素K_2含量的不确定度。方法采用高效液相色谱法测定维生素K胶囊中的维生素K_2含量,建立数学模型,对测定过程的主要不确定度分量进行计算,得出合成不确定度和扩展不确定度。结果维生素K胶囊中维生素K_2的含量为181.2μg/g时,在置信区间95%下,其扩展不确定度为7.5μg/g(k=2)。结论不确定度的主要来源为标准曲线配制的过程,该评估模型为维生素K胶囊中维生素K_2的含量测定的准确性提供了参考依据。